WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement today after the White House announced that President Biden will travel to the Middle East on July 13-16 to visit Israel and the West Bank and to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:

“President Biden’s visit to the Middle East next month will advance American values and interests. By traveling to Israel and the West Bank, he will reaffirm our vital relationship with Israel, one of our most valued allies, as well as his strong support for a two-state solution. In meeting with nine regional leaders at the GCC summit, President Biden will engage with our partners in advancing regional security, joint efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear program and destabilizing activities, support the ongoing cease-fire in Yemen, advocate for human rights, deal with crises in international energy and food security, and expand trade and economic ties throughout the Middle East.”

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